Salinity affects plant growth and metabolites in plants, which in turn affect Cd accumulation. Cheng et al. ran a hydroponic experiment to assess the effect of NaCl on the metabolic response to Cd and Cd accumulation in the halophytic Cd-accumulator Carpobrotus rossii (Aizoaceae).

They find NaCl decreased Cd accumulation in the shoot by decreasing Cd root uptake and root-to-shoot translocation even under constant Cd2+ activity. Peptides and organic acids, particularly phytochelatins, play an important role in Cd tolerance and accumulation, but the change of those metabolites is not the reason for the decreased Cd accumulation.